He has agreed a three-year deal worth £48million and a deal is in place for the Portugese to take over at Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Target man: Mourinho has agreed to become the next United manager

A series of wretched performances under Van Gaal persuaded club chiefs to turn to Mourinho.

The likelihood is that Van Gaal will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, one year before his contract expires, although there is a possibility he will be sacked at the point the club are no longer in contention for a place in next season’s Champions League.

Ex-manager David Moyes was axed two years ago when United were no longer mathematically capable of qualifying for Europe’s premier competition the following season.